Larry Martus

Larry Martus: Transcendence

by Budd Kopman
August 23, 2006

Solo recordings have to overcome extra hurdles in order to maintain listener interest. Single-line instruments like the saxophone tend to have the most difficulty because of their limited timbral range and inability to maintain an independent accompanying line. The piano is naturally the most flexible, allowing independent hands to work, but it also has timbral limitations. The guitar is in between--it can fake true contrapuntal lines, but it also can change its sound through electronics.With Transcendence, Larry Martus ...

Larry Martus: Transcendence

by Jim Santella
April 26, 2006

Solo jazz guitar from a straight-ahead perspective can work wonders for the soul. As Larry Martus interprets his program of original compositions, you can feel the smooth vibrations sinking in. Transcendence, the guitarist's debut album, finds him journeying through the blues, moody swing, and traces of classical Spanish guitar.

In Martus' hands, the guitar is a tool for expressing his innermost feelings and enhancing thoughts with appropriate colors all around. On “Window of Your Soul, which summarizes the ...